PepsiCo and Arab Youth Centre announce the launch of the Arab Youth Hackathon at COP27

PepsiCo and Arab Youth Centre announce the launch of the Arab Youth Hackathon at COP27

At COP27, PepsiCo signed a strategic partnership with the Arab Youth Centre to develop regional initiatives that empower the youth and nurture future changemakers. As a first initiative, PepsiCo and the Arab Youth Centre announced the launch of the Arab Youth Hackathon #HackforChange, a regional entrepreneurial programme, funded by PepsiCo Foundation - the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo and implemented by Plug and Play Tech Center. The hackathon engages youth across the Middle East and North Africa in an innovative challenge to create smarter solutions for solving climate challenges revolving around agriculture, circular economy, water security and renewable energy. Formalised at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference and launched at COP27, the Arab Youth Hackathon #HackforChange aims to establish an integrative relationship with the participants throughout the year until the announcement of the winners at COP28 next year. Slated for launch early next year, applicants from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Lebanon and Jordon, will be invited for a three-day ideation boot camp followed by mentorship. Winners will be incubated and awarded seed capital for bringing nascent sustainability ideas to life. The hackathon is supported by the Arab Youth Centre, which will take the lead in crystallising the problem statement